IncomeBy County

Wapello County, Iowa

Income Data

-14% vs. Iowa average
$60,034
Median Household Income
$33,337
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$60,034
-14% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$33,337
-16% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
53.2%
income as % of home value
Rank in Iowa
#89 / 99
by median household income

How Wapello County Compares

Wapello County$60,034
Iowa Average$69,830
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$60,034
Median Household Income
$33,337
Per Capita Income
$112,900
Median Home Value
53.2%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Wapello County, Iowa

Wapello falls well short of U.S. median

Wapello County's median household income of $60,034 sits nearly $14,700 below the national median of $74,755—a 19.7% shortfall. This positions Wapello among the lowest-income counties nationwide, reflecting long-standing challenges in rural manufacturing and agriculture-dependent economies. The per capita income of $33,337 further underscores individual earning constraints across the county.

Near the bottom in Iowa

Wapello ranks in the lower quarter of Iowa's 99 counties, with median household income trailing the state average of $69,830 by nearly $10,000. Per capita income of $33,337 also falls short of Iowa's $37,136 state average, indicating weaker employment and wage growth. These figures suggest that Wapello faces similar rural economic pressures as its neighboring counties.

Wapello tied in the income struggle

Wapello's $60,034 median income places it virtually on par with Van Buren ($60,183) and Wayne ($59,118), forming a lower-income cluster in southern Iowa. Meanwhile, Warren County to the north reaches $92,990, and Winneshiek to the northeast hits $75,652—both more than 20% higher. This geographic divide reflects differential access to higher-wage employment and educational opportunity.

Rent-to-income ratio signals strain

Wapello's rent-to-income ratio of 19.0% remains below the 30% danger threshold but represents the highest burden among its peer counties, suggesting growing housing pressure on renters. With a median home value of $112,900 and median household income of $60,034, homeownership is achievable but tight. Rising rents in the county may soon push more households beyond comfortable affordability.

Strategic saving builds Wapello wealth

Wapello residents earning around $60,000 should focus on automating savings through payroll deduction and exploring tax-advantaged accounts to protect income from taxes. Community development organizations and local banks often offer free financial literacy workshops tailored to lower-income households. Consistent micro-investing and debt reduction strategies can compound into meaningful wealth over decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Wapello County, Iowa?
The median household income in Wapello County, Iowa is $60,034, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Wapello County?
The per capita income in Wapello County is $33,337, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $60,034.
How does Wapello County compare to the Iowa average?
Wapello County's median household income of $60,034 is lower than the Iowa state average of $69,830. The per capita income is $33,337, compared to the state average of $37,136.
What is the per capita income in Wapello County, Iowa?
The per capita income in Wapello County, Iowa is $33,337, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Wapello County a low-income area in Iowa?
Wapello County's median household income of $60,034 is below the Iowa average of $69,830. The per capita income of $33,337 is also lower than the state average of $37,136. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Wapello County rank for income in Iowa?
Wapello County ranks #89 out of 99 counties in Iowa by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $60,034 and per capita income of $33,337, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $60,034 per year

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vs. State Average

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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